Media Centre

African asylum seekers confirm racial discrimination

Publish Date: 08/04/2009
Author: Marketing & Communications Dept.

The national inquiry examining the racism and exclusion faced by Africans is the latest strategy which aims to determine whether media stereotypes, including branding African youths as ‘violent gang members’, increase discrimination.

Baptcare’s Men's Caseworker and Housing Facilitator, Mr Martyn Shaddick, manages Sanctuary, the only supported accommodation facility for asylum seekers of its type and size in Australia. Sanctuary houses 18 male asylum seekers, who live lawfully in the community but have no right to work, Medicare or other welfare support.

“Racism towards African asylum seekers has harmful implications, especially considering that these members of our community are already socially disadvantaged.

“One client at Sanctuary explained that he was denied the right to purchase a mobile battery at a local market for no reason. Also on separate occasions, he got onto a tram and sat down next to a Caucasian person, and on both occasions, the passengers stood up and moved seats.

“Many would not know that he’s at university, has a PHD and is working towards improving his life – he is an asset to Australia,” Mr Shaddick said.

“Baptcare is committed to providing support for the most disadvantaged and marginalised people in our community, which includes advocating on behalf of people without a ‘voice’. We will continue to demonstrate our commitment to justice and human rights by supporting the residents at Sanctuary, who constitute an increasingly hidden disadvantaged group in our society,” Baptcare’s Chief Executive, Mr Jeff Davey said.

Each resident at Sanctuary is provided with individual casework support, which allows each client to discuss any issues of concern, including feelings of exclusion in Australia.

“Many individuals are unaware of the trauma that asylum seekers, including those from Africa, have endured simply to survive. As a party to the Refugees Convention, Australia has obligations to refugees who have been persecuted for reasons of race, religion, nationality, membership of a particular social group or political opinion,” Mr Shaddick said.

The study, to be headed by the Australian Human Rights Commission, will provide the first data into the health, education, housing and employment barriers experienced by Africans.

“The sad thing is that many clients facing discrimination choose not to speak up as they feel that as an asylum seeker with no rights, expressing their concerns could result in being sent back home to face an even worse situation,” Mr Shaddick said.

Sanctuary is a partnership project between Baptcare, Brunswick Baptist Church and Hotham Mission Asylum Seeker Project.